Bulletin 780

Controlling Diseases and Insects in Home Fruit Plantings SMALL FRUIT DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES GRAPE STRAWBERRY RASPBERRY

Bud Swell

Prebloom Delayed Dormant

2-4 Inch Shoots

Early Bloom

8-10 Inch Shoots

Prebloom

Just Before Bloom Full Bloom

Post Bloom -Petal Fall

Just After Bloom Post Bloom

Grapes Small Pea Size Harvest Pre-harvest Drawings by M. L. Hayden Contents

Introduction ...... 1 Using Pesticides ...... 2 Pesticide Safety...... 3 How Much Pesticide?...... 3 Preparation of Sprays...... 3 Measuring Small Amounts of Pesticide...... 4 Harvest Restrictions (Days to Wait After Spraying Until Picking)...... 5 Pesticide Formulations...... 5 Insecticides and Related Pests...... 5 Fungicides...... 7 Bactericides...... 12 Mulitpurpose or All-Purpose Fruit Sprays...... 13 Where to Purchase Pesticides...... 13 Management Recommendations and Spray Schedules for . Specific Fruit Crops and Pests ...... 13 Apples and Pears...... 13 Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots, Plums and Cherries...... 21 Strawberries...... 25 Raspberries and Blackberries...... 28 Grapes...... 30 Blueberries...... 32 Poison Control Centers ...... Back Cover

Authors: Dr. Celeste Welty Dr. Michael A. Ellis Extension Entomologist Extension Plant Pathologist Department of Entomology Department of Plant Pathology The Ohio State University The Ohio State University

Disclaimer Pesticide recommendations are subject to change at any time. Therefore, specific pesticide recommendations are not made in this publication. These recommendations are provided only as a guide. If specific pesticides are used, it is always the pesticide applicator’s responsibility, by law, to read and follow all current label directions for the pesticide being used. Due to constantly changing labels and product registrations, some of the recommendations given in this publication may no longer be legal by the time you read them. If any information in these recommendations disagrees with the label, disregard the recommendation. No endorsement is intended for the products mentioned, nor is exclusion intended for products not mentioned. The authors and Ohio State University Extension assume no liability resulting from the use of these recommendations.

Copyright © The Ohio State University, 2010

Ohio State University Extension embraces human diversity and is committed to ensuring that all research and related educational programs are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or veteran status. This statement is in accordance with United States Civil Rights Laws and the USDA. Keith L. Smith, Ph.D., Associate Vice President for Agricultural Administration and Director, Ohio State University Extension TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-1868 Revised 3/10—2M—XXXXXX

Introduction

rowing fruit crops in the home garden can be a re- Midwest Home Fruit Production Guide: Cultural Practices warding experience and a source of enjoyment for and Pest Management, Bulletin 940 G many years. It can also be a disappointing venture This is a publication of Ohio State University Extension and and a source of frustration. The difference is most often due should be considered as a sister publication to this guide to the many diseases and insect pests that attack fruit crops for home fruit growers. It provides information on cultural and in understanding how to best avoid or reduce the dam- production practices and variety selection as well as disease age they cause. Some problems are minor, but others have and insect identification and control. It can be obtained from the potential to destroy the entire crop or to kill the plants. your county office of Ohio State University Extension. Resistant cultivars reduce some losses and good cultural practices reduce others, but some use of chemical pesticides The following literature also contains information about may also be necessary to ensure an abundant crop of whole- specific diseases and insects, varietal susceptibility to insects some fruit. and diseases, and various aspects of fruit production in gen- eral. These publications are also available through your local The pesticide issue is important to everyone. Pesticides county Extension office. are used to kill pests such as insects, fungi and weeds, and as such are poisons. However, it is important to recognize Bulletin 861, Midwest Small Fruit Pest Management Handbook that many common household products such as bleach, am- Bulletin 782, Brambles: Production, Management and Marketing monia and drain cleaner are very poisonous to humans, but are safe when used properly and help improve our quality Bulletin 926: Midwest Strawberry Production Guide of life. When chosen carefully, used only when needed and, then, only in strict accordance with the label instructions, Bulletin 919: Midwest Grape Production Guide pesticides can provide excellent control of insects and diseases Midwest Tree Fruit Pest Management Handbook with only minimal and short-term effects on the environ- ment. If you choose to use pesticides, you must also accept North Central Regional Extension Publication No. 45, Diseases of the responsibility for their proper use, storage and disposal. Tree Fruits in the East If you choose not to use pesticides, more attention must be paid to the choice of crops, disease-resistant cultivars and North Central Regional Extension Publication No. 359, Insect Traps good cultural management tactics. As a rule, pesticides are for Home Fruit Insect Control generally less effective when used to eradicate pest popula- North Central Regional Extension Publication No. 63, Common tions that have become a serious problem. However, they Tree Fruit Pests have proven very effective when used selectively as part of an overall pest management program. The following publications should be useful for backyard fruit growers who desire more information about chemical This bulletin details the kinds of decisions that must be control of diseases, insects and weeds or who require a more made for successful pest control in home fruit production with intensive spray program than is described in this bulletin: and without pesticides and the decisions that apply to each approach. These decisions fall into five general areas: Bulletin 506 B2, Midwest Commercial Small Fruit and Grape Spray Guide 1. Identifying and Understanding the Major Fruit Diseases and Insect Pests. It is important for growers to be Bulletin 506 A2, Midwest Commercial Tree Fruit Spray able to recognize the major diseases and insect pests of the fruit Guide crops they wish to grow. Proper disease and insect identifica- tion is critical to making the correct management decisions. Many of the above mentioned publications, as well as In addition, growers should develop a basic understanding of numerous Ohio State University fact sheets and other useful the pathogen or insect's biology and life cycle. The more you publications are currently available on the World Wide Web know about the disease or insect pest, the better equipped you at the following address: http://ohioline.osu.edu. will be to make sound and effective management decisions. Maintaining a good library is an extremely important part of 2. Crop and variety selection. As a rule, tree fruits re- successful disease and insect management. The following quire more pesticides than most small fruits. However, some literature contains photographs of fruit diseases and insect apple varieties are highly or moderately resistant to a number pests, as well as information on their biology, development of important diseases. These can be grown using few if any and control. fungicides, but may still require some use of insecticides. 1 Similarly, nectarines are more likely than peaches to have more become infested with insect larvae (worms). Diseases such serious problems with brown rot disease. If pesticide use is as apple scab may cause serious or minor damage depending not acceptable in the home garden, blueberries, raspberries, on when fruit infection occurs; thus, the level of treatment thornless blackberries, strawberries, and some grape cultivars required may vary. Early-season infections by the apple scab (in that order) offer the greatest chance for success. fungus, for example, can deform the fruit and cause it to crack or drop before ripening, while late season infections 3. Sanitation methods. Sanitation means keeping the are usually only skin deep and easily removed in peeling. fruit planting cleaned up. Good sanitation should be fol- With this in mind, early-season fungicide applications may lowed regardless of whether conventional pesticide use is be necessary for scab control on susceptible varieties. Of planned. course, by planting scab-resistant varieties, very little, if any, fungicide may be needed. Because fruit crops are perennial, many of the more seri- ous disease and insect problems tend to overwinter in or near Growers should expect some fruits of unsprayed strawber- the planting. Good sanitation practice in and around the home ries, blackberries and raspberries to rot, mainly due to gray garden reduces the risk of pest damage and can significantly mold. Losses are greatest in wet seasons. In dry seasons, fruit reduce the need for pesticide treatments. Neglected fruit rot may be minimal. Some home fruit growers are satisfied plants harbor many pests and should be eliminated. Good to produce a crop consisting of only 50 percent to 75 percent weed control in most small-fruit plantings not only reduces sound fruits. Be prepared to use fungicides if you expect a crop the competition for water and nutrients, but promotes rapid with few or no rotted fruit during wet growing seasons. drying after a rain or dew and thus reduces the likelihood of infections by several important pathogens. Depending on the crop and the pests involved, sanitation measures can be as simple as a light raking in blueberries to more time- Using Pesticides consuming pruning and leaf removal with apples. Specific Pesticide Choices: measures needed in managing each crop are given later in Conventional vs. "Natural" this bulletin. The pesticides listed in this bulletin are largely conven- 4. Experience. It is important to recognize or anticipate tional synthetic materials, many of which are also used by major pest problems early and to properly time specific commercial fruit growers. None is particularly persistent cultural practices and any necessary pesticide treatments. and all tend to degrade over time with exposure to the en- A missed or poorly-timed pesticide application can result vironment. The materials recommended for specific pest in lower fruit yields and quality. Additional treatments may problems were selected for their overall safety, effectiveness, later be necessary if the problem becomes worse. Similarly, economy, availability and general integration into control sanitation methods designed to reduce the populations of programs for other pests present at about the same time. overwintering pests are of little value if used too late. Diseases There are also a number of specially formulated “fruit tree and insect pests are strongly affected by the weather, and so mixtures” of pesticides that include one or more insecticides what seems to work best in one year may not be very effective and fungicides. The authors do not advocate the exclusive in another. Similarly, a troublesome pest in one fruit plant- use of pesticides for disease and insect control, but only as ing may not be a problem in another. Thus, knowing when one of several management tactics, including a number of and how best to respond to these differences is an important important cultural practices. part of any gardening experience; the solution is not always to use more pesticides. Some pests, such as peach leaf curl, Many home gardeners prefer not to use these conventional peach tree borers and raspberry canker diseases attack plants pesticides in favor of inorganic fungicides such as sulfur and during only a short time each season; knowing when this is copper compounds or botanical insecticides such as rotenone likely to occur often means using a particular pesticide only and pyrethrins. These latter materials are also pesticides and once a season. need to be handled as carefully as the conventional materials to ensure the safety of the applicator and the environment. 5. Expectations. For tree fruits in particular, if the As a rule, most of the botanical insecticides offer protection primary goal is to produce a perfect, blemish-free crop, for only three to five days and so may need to be applied on the need for pesticide sprays must also be accepted. This a more frequent schedule than conventional materials. Ma- means additional time and expense and, in the long run, no terials such as insecticidal soaps may appear attractive due assurance of a perfect crop, because of the limited number to low toxicity to humans, but kill only on contact and have of pesticides available for home gardens. Some of the pests no residual activity and, thus, have very limited use against affecting a particular crop are relatively minor and present most important fruit crop pests. only a cosmetic or surface injury without affecting the basic fruit quality. Other pests may cause the entire fruit to rot or

2 8. Do not reuse pesticide containers. Triple-rinse cans Pesticide Safety and bottles (add the rinse to the sprayer tank); then puncture In the last 20 years, many of the most persistent pesticides or break them and dispose of them in the trash. Do not burn have been discontinued and many of the highly toxic ones empty paper or plastic containers; dispose of them in the have been restricted for purchase and use only by licensed trash. applicators. However, even unrestricted pesticides can be poisonous to people and animals. Always handle them with 9. If a pesticide concentrate is spilled on you or others, care! The label is the most important piece of information you stop work immediately and wash it off. Change clothing if will find on the proper use of the pesticide and its hazards. it becomes contaminated and wash it separately from other Read the label! The following precautions should be followed clothing. with all pesticides used around the home. 10. Do not eat, drink or smoke while working with 1. Read the label! Be aware of the toxicity of the material pesticides. you are using, and wear the appropriate protective clothing such as gloves, goggles, and long-sleeved shirt. 2. Buy only enough pesticide for one year’s use. Most How Much Pesticide? materials have a shelf life of two to three years, but left-over Too often, growers mix pesticides at higher rates than materials present greater hazards for safe storage, handling recommended on the label in hopes of better control or a and, possibly, for disposal. more lasting effect. This is a dangerous approach and can 3. Store all pesticides only in their original, labeled pose unwarranted hazards not only to applicators, but also containers. Keep all pesticides and measuring utensils in to the plants being treated. Recommended rates are based a cool, dry, locked storage area out of the reach of children on the amounts needed for control. If reasonable control is and pets. Store wettable powder formulations of herbicides not achieved at these rates, there is likely some fault in the separately from other pesticides. Never allow liquid formula- choice of pesticide, in timing treatments or in the application tions to freeze. method. Applications in excess of the recommended rates contribute unnecessarily to environmental contamination 4. Measure the amount of pesticide to be used each without increasing the level of control. Generally, repeated time. Use a set of standard measuring spoons and a small applications at intervals of 7, 10 or 14 days are required to postage scale set aside specifically for this use. Never add protect new growth that has developed since the last spray or more material to the spray tank than is recommended on the to replace spray residues that are no longer effective because label. of weathering and chemical breakdown. 5. Be careful not to breathe pesticide dusts or mists during measuring, mixing and application. Most pesticide accidents occur while measuring the material and filling the Preparation of Sprays sprayer. Always conduct these procedures in a well-ventilated Pesticide preparations are made by mixing the exact room, and use protective clothing such as goggles, chemical- quantity of pesticide with the appropriate amount of water. resistant gloves, a dust mask or respirator, long sleeved shirt All information required describing the amount of pesticide and long pants or coveralls when indicated on the label. to use is clearly described on the pesticide label. These Remember that the responsibility for the safe and proper use instructions must be followed exactly. Be careful to mix of all pesticides rests solely with the applicator. only the amount of spray material that is needed. In general, 6. Do not prepare more spray mixture than required sprays are applied to plant surfaces until all plant parts are for the job. Do not attempt to store unused spray mixtures thoroughly covered and spray material starts to drip from the (those diluted in water) for later use. When a small amount treated surface. This is known as “spraying to run-off.” Table of spray mixture is left over, it is safest to use it to respray 1 gives an idea of the amount of spray material required to the crop rather than just dumping it. Do not pour excess treat fruit trees of different sizes. pesticides or sprayer rinse water into any community sewer Use the higher volume shown in Table 1 for trees in full system or where run-off could contaminate nearby streams foliage. Always begin spraying foliage in the top of the tree, or ponds. and work downward to the lower branches. Keep in mind that 7. Keep the sprayer clean. Dirt and rust particles can clog larger trees present a greater chance for drift and accidental nozzles. This makes it necessary to detach them repeatedly contamination of other areas. for cleaning during the spray operation and increases your chances for direct exposure to the pesticide mix.

3 Table 1. Approximate spray volume required for Dry Formulations thorough coverage of fruit trees to the point of run-off. Measurement Equivalents Gallons of 1 pound = 16 ounces = 454 grams Tree Spread spray mixture 1 ounce = 28.4 grams height of tree per tree per (feet) (feet) application Sample Calculation for Determining Pesticide Concentration in English Units 5 to 8 3 to 6 1 to 1-1/2 1 pound of fungicide per 100 gallons of water equals 8 to 12 6 to 9 1-1/2 to 3 16 dry ounces of fungicide per 100 gallons of water equals 12 to 18 9 to 15 3 to 5 1.6 dry ounces of fungicide per 10 gallons of water equals 18 15 4 to 6 0.16 dry ounces of fungicide per 1 gallon of water

Sample Calculation for Determining Pesticide Concentration in Metric Units Measuring Small Amounts 1 pound of fungicide per 100 gallons of water equals of Pesticide 454 grams of fungicide per 100 gallon of water equals The rate or amount of pesticide to use is listed on the 45.4 grams of fungicide per 10 gallons of water product label. For most products packaged specifically for equals homeowner use, rates are given in teaspoons or tablespoons 4.5 grams of fungicide per 1 gallon of water per gallon of water. With these products, homeowners have no problem measuring the exact amount of product they need to use. Many backyard growers choose to purchase Liquid Formulations larger quantities of pesticide that are packaged primarily for Measurement Equivalents use by commercial growers. This is acceptable and in some 1 gallon = 4 quarts = 8 pints = 16 cups cases, depending on the quantity of plants to be sprayed, = 128 fluid ounces = 3785 milliliters may be more convenient and economical. In some situations, 1 quart = 2 pints = 4 cups = 32 fluid ounces the preferred pesticide may not be available in homeowner = 946 milliliters packaging and commercial packages of 2 to 5 pounds are all that is available. A problem with commercial packages is that 1 fluid ounce = 2 tablespoons = 29.6 milliliters rates are often given in the amount of pesticide to use per 100 gallons of water. Commercial rates are also commonly given 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons = 14.8 ml in the amount of pesticide to use per acre in a given amount = 1/2 fluid ounce of water. Problems arise when the homeowner reads the la- bel that states, “Use 1 pound of pesticide per 100 gallons of Sample Calculation for Determining Pesticide water,” and the homeowner needs only 1 gallon of pesticide Concentration in English Units mixture. For dry formulations of pesticide (powders), it is 1 quart of pesticide per 100 gallons of water difficult to calculate the number of teaspoons or tablespoons equals required for 1 gallon of water when the rate is 1 pound per 32 fluid ounces per 100 gallons of water 100 gallons; approximations are given in Table 2. For liquid equals formulations, it is possible to calculate down to teaspoons 3.2 fluid ounces per 10 gallons of water and tablespoons. equals 0.32 fluid ounces per 1 gallon of water The ideal method for weighing small amounts of pesticide is to use the metric system of measurement. Unfortunately, Sample Calculation for Determining Pesticide many of us are not equipped to use this system. The following Concentration in Metric Units information and the highlighted information on the left side 1 quart of pesticide per 100 gallons of water of this page are provided to aid the homeowner in weighing equals small amounts of pesticide. 946 milliliters per 100 gallons of water equals 94.6 milliliters per 10 gallons of water equals 9.4 milliliters per 1 gallon of water

4 Table 2. Approximate Dilutions for Small Volumes of Spray Mixes.

Equivalent Rates for Different Quantities of Water

Formulation 100 gallons 5 gallons 3 gallons 1 gallon

Wettable 5 pounds 15 tablespoons 9 tablespoons 3 tablespoons Powder 4 pounds 13 tablespoons 8 tablespoons 8 teaspoons 3 pounds 10 tablespoons 6 tablespoons 2 tablespoons 2 pounds 8 tablespoons 4 tablespoons 4 teaspoons 1 pound 3 tablespoons 6 teaspoons 2 teaspoons 1/2 pound 5 teaspoons 1 tablespoon 1 teaspoon

Emulsifiable 5 gallons 1 quart 1 1/4 pints 13 tablespoons Concentrate 4 gallons 1 1/2 pints 1 pint 10 tablespoons 3 gallons 1 1/4 pints 3/4 pint 1/4 pint 2 gallons 3/4 pint 1/2 pint 5 tablespoons 1 gallon 1/2 pint 8 tablespoons 3 tablespoons 1 quart 3 tablespoons 2 tablespoons 2 teaspoons 1 pint 5 teaspoons 1 tablespoon 1 teaspoon

Every pesticide label provides harvest restrictions. If the Harvest Restrictions pesticide does not give this information, then it probably is (Days to Wait After Spraying Until Picking) not intended for use on fruit and should not be used. The preharvest intervals for several insecticides and fungicides Many backyard fruit growers are concerned about eating commonly used on fruit crops are provided in Table 3. fruits that have been sprayed with pesticides. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has estab- lished set time periods between the last application of a pesti- Pesticide Formulations cide (varies for different pesticides and crops) and harvest to Even experienced gardeners are sometimes confused avoid unnecessary residues on ripe fruit. When pesticides are by the array of pesticides and special formulations available used in accordance with label recommendations, fruit residues and the need to select the right materials. Pesticides may be should be safe. Simply washing the fruit before consuming available in one or more formulations. Pesticides used on fruit it removes most of any remaining residue. crops are most commonly sold as wettable powders, which are meant to be mixed with water, then sprayed on the crop. There will be no problem with excessive pesticide residues If the active ingredient makes up 50 percent of a wettable on your harvested fruits if: powder product, it is called a “50W” or “50WP.” Liquid 1. Use only registered pesticides that list on the label the concentrates are also meant to be mixed with water, then particular crop to be treated. sprayed on the crop; the active ingredient usually ranges from 12 percent to 50 percent of the product. Dusts are ready to 2. The pesticide is used only at the rate recommended apply as purchased; they are not mixed with water, and they on the label. usually contain 1 percent to 10 percent active ingredient. 3. The fruit is not picked earlier than the safe preharvest interval given on the label. Insecticides and Related 4. The fresh fruit is washed before consumption or pro- cessing, even if pesticides are not used. Pesticides General purpose insecticides: Many insecticides have a broad spectrum of activity, which means that they kill several different types of pests such as caterpillars, beetles,

5 Table 3. Restrictions on crops allowed and pre-harvest intervals for pesticides used in home fruit plantings. (NR = not registered; SL = see label for specific information)

Pre-harvest interval (minimum number of days between last application and harvest) Apple Pear Peach Cherry Plum Straw- Brambles Grape Blue- berry berry INSECTICIDES acetamiprid 7 7 NR NR NR NR NR NR NR bifenthrin NR 14 NR NR NR NR 3 NR NR B.t. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 carbaryl (Sevin) 3 3 3 3 3 7 7 7 7 esfenvalerate 21 28 14 14 14 NR 21 NR NR gamma-cyhalothrin 21 21 14 14 14 NR NR NR NR imidacloprid 0 0 NR* NR* NR* NR NR NR NR iron phosphate 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 iron phosphate + 3 3 3 3 3 3 NR 3 3 spinosad kaolin (Surround) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 malathion 3 1 7 3 NR NR 0 NR 0 metaldehyde 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 metaldehyde + NR NR NR NR NR 7 NR NR NR carbaryl oil (horticultural) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 not after permethrin 14 7 3 NR 14 14 NR 14 petal-fall pyrethrins + PBO 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 rotenone + pyre- 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 thrins soap (insecticidal) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 spinosad 7 7 14 7 7 1 3 7 3 INSECTICIDES + FUNGICIDES captan + malathion + 14 NR 21 14 NR 14 NR 14 NR carbaryl captan + malathion 7 NR 7 3 3 3 NR NR NR carbaryl + rotenone NR NR NR NR NR 7 NR NR NR + copper lime sulfur dormant dormant SL dormant dormant NR SL SL NR oil + lime sulfur dormant NR dormant dormant dormant NR dormant NR NR pyrethrins + PBO + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 neem oil pyrethrins + sulfur 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 rotenone + copper 1 1 NR 1 NR 1 NR NR NR FUNGICIDES captan 0 NR 0 0 0 0 NR 0 0 not after not after not after chlorothalonil NR NR shuck shuck shuck NR NR NR NR split split split copper fungicides SL SL SL SL SL SL SL SL SL mancozeb 77 77 NR NR NR NR NR 66 NR myclobutanil 14 NR 7 7 NR 1 1 14 NR sulfur 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 thiophanate-methyl 0 1 1 1 1 1 NR 14 NR * Some brands of imidacloprid are allowed for use on peach, plum, cherry, while other brands are not.

6 and bugs. These broad spectrum insecticides can be either to 10 days of a sulfur or oil spray. Captan causes severe injury conventional synthetic chemicals, which are derived from on Schmidt, Emperor Francis and Grant sweet cherries and petroleum, or they may be botanical insecticides, which are on Japanese-type or Stanley plums if used before July. derived from plants. Examples of broad spectrum synthetic insecticides are Sevin (carbaryl), methoxychlor, malathion, Chlorothalonil is commonly used in commercial fruit diazinon, Thiodan (endosulfan), and permethrin. Examples production for control of several diseases of stone fruit. Bravo of broad spectrum botanical insecticides are pyrethrins, is the trade name of the commercial product. Chlorothalonil rotenone, azadirachtin (neem), and sabadilla. Fruit growers is a flowable (liquid) fungicide that is sold under a variety should be aware that broad spectrum insecticides, whether of trade names for homeowner use such as Ortho Garden synthetic or botanical, are toxic to beneficial insects as well Disease Control (Daconil 2787), Dragon 2787, Ferti-lome as to pest insects. Beneficial insects include pollinators such Broad Spectrum Liquid Fungicde, Bonide Fung-onil and as honey bees; predators such as lady beetles and lacewings; others. It is only registered for use on stone fruits and is very and parasitoids such as braconid wasps and tachinid flies. effective for control of brown rot, peach leaf curl, peach scab, cherry leaf spot and black knot of plum. Special purpose insecticides & pesticides: Some insec- ticides are used to control only one particular type of pest. Myclobutanil is used in commercial fruit production for Examples are B.t. (Bacillus thuringiensis) for caterpillars, control of a wide range of diseases on most fruit crops. It lime sulfur for scale insects, horticultural spray oil for scale is sold as Rally 40WP for commercial use. For homeowner insects and mites, and insecticidal soap for aphids and other use, myclobutanil is sold as Spectracide IMMUNOX Mul- soft-bodied pests. Chemicals used for slug control are called tipurpose Fungicide. It is a locally systemic fungicide that molluscicides; the only molluscicide available for use in home provides excellent control of many diseases on apple, stone fruit plantings is metaldehyde. fruits and grapes. On apple, it provides excellent control of scab, powdery mildew and rust. It is a very good fungicide for Characteristics, target pests, target crops: Details early season disease control on apple. It is not very effective about how close to harvest each pesticide can be used is given for control of fruit blemishes or rots; thus, it is not recom- in Table 3. Characteristics of insecticide products are given mended for late season disease control on apple. On stone fruit in Table 4. Details about which insecticide can be used to (peaches, nectarines, cherries and plums) it provides control control specific pests on specific crops are listed in Tables 5 of brown rot and powdery mildew. It will also control cherry and 6. Table 7 provides information on diseases controlled leaf spot. On grapes it provides excellent control of black rot by specific fungicides. and powdery mildew. It does not control downy mildew or Phomopsis cane and leaf spot on grapes. Fungicides Mancozeb is a commonly used fungicide in the commer- Captan is a very common fungicide used in commercial cial production of apples, pears, and grapes. Some of the more tree fruit and small fruit production in the United States. Com- common trade names of commercial products are Dithane DF, mercial formulations of Captan fungicide include Captan 50 Dithane M-45 Weather Stick, Penncozeb, Manzate Pro-Stick, WP, Captan 80 WP, and Captec 4L (a liquid formulation). and Manzate flowable. Mancozeb is available in homeowner Captan is the primary fungicide found in home fruit spray products such as Bonide Mancozeb Concentrate Flowable, mixtures (Multi-Purpose fruit sprays) such as Ortho Home and Dragon Mancozeb Disease Control. Mancozeb provides Orchard Spray, Dragon Fruit Trees Spray, Ferti-lome Fruit excellent control of apple scab, cedar apple rust, and most Tree Spray, and others. It can also be purchased separately in summer fruit rots and blemishes on apple and pear. Mancozeb homeowner products such as Bonide Captan 50W, HiYield provides excellent control of black rot, Phomopsis cane and Captan 50% WP, and others. Captan is most commonly leaf spot and downy mildew on grapes. available as a wettable powder. It is an effective and reliable fungicide for control of many fruit crop diseases (Table 7). Thiophanate-Methyl is a locally systemic fungicide On apples it controls scab, and most summer leaf and fruit that provides excellent control of many diseases on apple, spotting or rotting diseases. It will not control powdery mildew stone fruits, and strawberry. For commercial fruit produc- or rust. On stone fruit it will control brown rot, scab, cherry tion, it is sold as Topsin-M. Homeowner products containing leaf spot and black knot of plum. On strawberry it controls Thiophanate-Methyl include Dragon Systemic Fungicide most fruit rot and leaf spot diseases as well as mummy berry 3336WP, Cleary's 3336, and Green Light Systemic Fungicide, on blueberry. On grapes it controls downy mildew and Pho- Cleary’s 3336, and Green Light Systemic Fungicide. On apple mopsis cane and leaf spot. It provides only moderate control thiophanate-methyl provides excellent control of apple scab, of grape black rot and will probably not provide an acceptable powdery mildew, and most summer fruit rots and blemishes. level of black rot control under moderate to heavy disease On stone fruit it provides good control of brown rot, peach pressure. It is not recommended for use on raspberry in home scab, powdery mildew, cherry leaf spot and black knot of fruit plantings. Because of incompatibility and plant injury plum. On strawberry it provides good control of Botrytis problems, Captan should not be used in combination with fruit rot and most leaf spotting diseases. either sulfur or spray oil and should not be applied within 7

7 Table 4. Characteristics of insecticides for use in home fruit plantings.

MAMMALIAN TOXICITY FORMULATIONS CHEMICAL INSECTICIDE NAME CLASS CHARACTERISTICS (% active ingredient) FAMILY (I = most toxic; III = least toxic) Toxic to sucking pests such as aphids and acetamiprid ready-to-use (0.006%) neonicotinoid III leafhoppers, as well as caterpillars. bifenthrin concentrate (0.3%) pyrethroid III Broad spectrum: kills beetles, bugs, caterpillars. B.t., Bacillus dust (0.04–0.6%); Toxic to caterpillars only; must be ingested. thuringiensis liquid concentrate microbial toxin III Derived from a beneficial soil bacterium. (Dipel, Thuricide) (0.8–15%) liquid concentrate (22–24%); ready-to- Broad spectrum. Caution: do not use for 21 days carbaryl (Sevin) use spray (0.1%); dust carbamate III after apple bloom to prevent fruit drop. (5%, 10%); granules (3–4%) liquid concentrate II (concentrate), esfenvalerate (0.4%); ready-to-use pyrethroid Broad spectrum: kills beetles, bugs, caterpillars. III (ready-to-use) spray (0.0033%) gamma-cyhalothrin concentrate (0.25%) pyrethroid III Broad spectrum: kills beetles, bugs, caterpillars. Toxic to sucking pests such as aphids, imidacloprid concentrate (1.47%) neonicotinoid III leafhoppers, and some beetles. iron phosphate bait (1%) mineral III Toxic to slugs and snails only. (Sluggo) wettable powder Forms a white coating on plants, which repels kaolin (Surround) mineral III (95%) insects. liquid concentrate organo- Broad spectrum. Short residual. Can cause injury malathion II, III (50–55%); dust (5%) phosphate to McIntosh apples. Toxic only to slugs and snails. Place next to plants, metaldehyde bait (2.75–3.25%) III not on plants. oil, petroleum Kills spider mites, scales, pear psylla. Do not apply liquid concentrate (Horticultural Spray oil III within 24 hours of near freezing (<40F). Thorough (80–98.8%) Oil) coverage needed. liquid concentrate II (13% (2.5–13.3%); ready- concentrate), Broad spectrum. Long residual. Found in some permethrin (Eight) pyrethroid to-use spray (0.02%); III (2.5% wood borer sprays. dust (0.25%) concentrate; dust) ready-to-use spray Broad spectrum. Derived from chrysanthemum pyrethrins + PBO botanical III (0.02 + 0.2%) flowers. Broad spectrum. Non-toxic to bees. Derived from rotenone dust (1%) botanical III roots of a legume plant. Often sold as mix with pyrethrins or copper. liquid concentrate soap, insecticidal Kills aphids, mites, and other soft insects. Must (47%); II (concentrate), (potassium salts of hit pest. No residual activity. Do not apply in hot ready-to-use spray III (ready-to-use) fatty acids) weather (>85F). (1–2%) liquid concentrate microbial spinosad III Toxic to caterpillars and thrips. (0.5%) derivative

8 Table 5. Target pests listed on labels of insecticides for use on tree fruit crops. acetamiprid bifenthrin B.t. carbaryl (Sevin) esfenvalerate gamma-cyhalothrin imidacloprid iron phosphate kaolin malathion malathion + carbaryl metaldehyde oil permethrin pyrethrins + PBO rotenone + pyrethrins soap spinosad APPLE & PEAR, key pests apple maggot √ √ √ √ √ codling moth √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ pear psylla √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ plum curculio √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ APPLE & PEAR, occasional pests aphids √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Japanese beetle √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ leafhoppers √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ leafrollers √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ peaf leaf blister mite √ √ √ pear rust mite √ √ pear sawfly (pearslug) √ √ √ √ periodical cicada √ √ √ √ scales (San Jose) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ spider mites √ √ √ √ √ √ tent caterpillar √ √ √ √ √ √ PEACH/CHERRY, key pests cat-facing bugs (stink √ √ √ √ √ bugs & tarnished plant bug) cherry fruit fly (mag- √ √ √ √ √ √ √ got) Japanese beetle √ √ √ √ √ √ √ oriental fruit moth √ √ √ √ √ √ √ peachtree borer √ √ √ plum curculio √ √ √ √ √ √ √ PEACH/CHERRY, occasional pests aphids √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ cherry fruitworm √ √ √ lesser peachtree borer √ √ √ √ √ periodical cicada √ √ √ √ scales (San Jose) √ √ √ √ spider mites √ √ √ √ tent caterpillar √ √ √ √ √

9 Table 6. Target pests listed on labels of insecticides for use on berry crops. acetamiprid bifenthrin B.t. carbaryl (Sevin) esfenvalerate gamma-cyhalothrin imidacloprid iron phosphate kaolin malathion malathion + carbaryl metaldehyde oil permethrin pyrethrins + PBO rotenone + pyrethrins soap spinosad STRAWBERRY, key pests slugs √ √ spittlebug √ √ √ √ tarnished plant bug √ √ √ √ STRAWBERRY, occasional pests cyclamen mite spider mites √ √ √ √ √ √ strawberry rootworm √ √ beetle GRAPES, key pests grape berry moth √ √ √ √ Japanese beetle √ √ √ √ √ GRAPES, occasional pests grape flea beetle √ √ leafhoppers √ √ √ √ √ rose chafer √ √ √ √ RASPBERRY/ BLACKBERRY, occasional pests cane borers √ √ Japanese beetle √ √ √ √ √ √ raspberry fruitworm √ √ rose chafer √ √ √ scales √ tarnished plant bug √ √ √ BLUEBERRY, occasional pests blueberry maggot √ √ √ cherry fruitworm √ √ √ √ cranberry fruitworm √ √ √ √ Japanese beetle √ √ √ √ √ √ plum curculio √ √ √ scales √ √ √ √

10 Table 7. Fungicides for control of major diseases on fruit crops. Captan Chlorothalonil Copper Fungicides Lime Sulfur Mancozeb Myclobutanil Sulfur Thiophanate-methyl

APPLE & PEAR scab ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ powdery mildew ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ rust ✓ ✓ ✓ fruit rots and blotches ✓ ✓ STONE FRUIT brown rot ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ peach leaf curl ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ scab ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ black knot of plum ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ cherry leaf spot ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ GRAPES black rot ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ powdery mildew ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ downy mildew ✓ ✓ ✓ Phomopsis cane and leaf spot ✓ ✓ ✓ BRAMBLES anthracnose ✓ ✓ cane blight ✓ ✓ spur blight ✓ ✓ STRAWBERRY leaf spots ✓ ✓ fruit rots ✓ ✓ powdery mildew ✓ ✓ BLUEBERRY mummy berry ✓ Phomopsis twig blight ✓

11 Copper Fungicides Dry Wettable Sulfurs or Flowable Sulfurs. Sulfur for When different formulations of copper are dissolved in use as a fungicide is available under many trade names. Some water, copper ions are released into solution. These copper homeowner products that contain sulfur include Dragon Wet- ions are toxic to fungi and bacteria because of their ability to table or Dusting Sulfur, Ferti-lome Dusting Sulfur, Bonide destroy proteins in plant tissues. However, because copper Liquid Sulfur, Bonide Sulfur Plant Fungicide, Safer Garden can kill all types of plant tissues, the use of copper fungicides Fungicde and others. The microfine wettable sulfurs or flow- carries the risk of injuring foliage and fruit of most crops. able sulfurs are usually much less injurious to foliage and fruit Factors promoting this injury include: 1) the amount of actual than liquid lime sulfur, but their use during hot weather (above copper applied, and 2) cold, wet weather (slow drying con- 85°F) may result in some leaf burning and fruit russeting. ditions) that apparently increases the availability of copper Sulfur fungicides are very effective for control of powdery ions and, thus, increases the risk of plant injury. Because of mildew on most fruit crops, but is not highly effective for the potential to injure plants, the use of copper fungicides control of most other fruit crop diseases. Sulfur is very toxic has largely been replaced with fungicides that are safer and to foliage of certain grape varieties (mainly American grapes) often more effective. including Concord, Chancellor, DeChaunac and Foch. Sulfur is relatively safe on most other varieties. Applications after the Several terms are used when discussing copper as a fun- fruit begins to ripen may pose problems during fermentation gicide. The original material used was copper sulfate (also if the grapes are intended for wine making. known as blue vitriol or bluestone). When this material was combined with lime in the French vineyards, the combination Growers should note that sulfur is lethal to some benefi- became known as Bordeaux mixture. cial insects, spiders and mites. These beneficial insects are natural predators of harmful insects and mites that affect fruit Bordeaux Mixture. Bordeaux mixture is a mixture of crops. Killing these beneficial insects may increase certain copper sulfate and hydrated lime in water. It has long residual pest problems, especially mites. action and has been used to control many diseases, including peach leaf curl, fire blight and scab of apple and black rot, Sulfur provides good control of brown rot and scab downy mildew and powdery mildew of grape. It is available of stone fruits. Sulfur is only moderately effective against as a dry wettable powder and is sold as Hi-Yield Bordeaux apple scab. Wettable sulfur is generally not recommended Mix, Bonide Copper Dust Bordo and others. for control of apple scab. Fixed Copper Fungicides. Following the discovery and use of Bordeaux mixture, several relatively insoluble copper compounds or fixed coppers were developed. Fixed copper formulations are less injurious to plant tissues than Bordeaux Bactericides mixture, but their use is still limited because of their potential Copper Materials. On apples and pears where fire blight to injure plants and lack of compatibility with other pesticides. was present the previous season, a dormant application of There are several fixed copper fungicides available for use Bordeaux mixture or fixed copper materials may be beneficial. by home fruit growers. These include Bonide Copper Spray Spray thoroughly in the spring just before green tissue ap- or Dust, Bonide Liquid Copper, Dragon Copper Fungicide, pears. Where bacterial spot has been a problem on peaches, Hi-Yield Copper Fungicide and others. an application of fixed copper just as the leaves begin to fall in the autumn may help reduce damage from this disease the Sulfur Fungicides next season. Copper materials applied during the growing Sulfur is available as liquid lime sulfur and as dry wettable season can damage apple leaves and fruit and cause complete powders or liquid (flowable) formulations of sulfur. defoliation of peaches and other stone fruits. Liquid Lime Sulfur. Liquid lime sulfur fungicide Streptomycin. Streptomycin is an antibiotic of limited can be used at high concentrations as a dormant spray on use, but is important for apple and pear varieties with a history peaches for control of peach leaf curl and on raspberries and of fire blight problems. Streptomycin is commonly used in blackberries for cane blight, spur blight and anthracnose. At commercial apple orchards and is not a restricted-use pesticide. high concentrations, it should be used only when plants are Streptomycin is available for homeowner use as Ferti-lome dormant. It can cause severe damage if applied after green Fire Blight Spray, Bonide Fire Blight Spray, Agri-mycin 17 foliage appears. At more dilute concentrations, it provides and others. Fire Blight is a very destructive disease and is good control of most other diseases of apple, pear, and stone difficult to control with chemical sprays. The emphasis for fruits. Lime sulfur has a foul odor that many people dislike. fire blight control in home fruit plantings should be placed Liquid Lime Sulfur is available to homeowners in products on the selection of varieties with some natural resistance to such as Ortho Dormant Disease Control Lime-Sulfur Spray, fire blight (see Table 10) and the use of cultural practices that Hi-Yield Improved Lime Sulfur Spray, Miller PolySul Sum- reduce the risk of infection. mer and Dormant Spray Concentrate, Bonide Lime-Sulfur Spray and others.

12 many highly effective fungicides that are readily available. Multipurpose or All-Purpose Homeowners should realize that there are no "Restricted use Fruit Sprays Fungicides" and there are several commonly used insecticides that are not "Restricted Use;" therefore, commercial fungicides Several multipurpose pesticide formulations, which and insecticides for fruit disease and insect control can be contain a mixture of several insecticides and fungicides, are purchased and used by home fruit producers. There are many available for fruit crops. Some multipurpose mixtures in- commercial insecticides and herbicides that are "Restricted clude Orhto Home Orchard Spray, Dragon Fruit Tree Spray, Use," meaning you must have a pesticide applicator's license Ferti-lome Fruit Tree Spray and others. These commercially in order to purchase and apply them. The main point here prepared mixtures are convenient to use, but they have three is that if you are very serious about controlling fruit crop important disadvantages: diseases with fungicides, you may want to consider some commercial formulations of the fungicides mentioned in 1. None of these multipurpose mixtures controls all of this bulletin. Many commercial fungicides are available in the insects and diseases you are likely to encounter. Not real- containers of relatively small quantity. They can be obtained izing this, many users tend to apply mixtures more frequently at locations that provide materials primarily for commercial and at higher rates trying, in vain, to control some pests. farmers such as farmer coops, grain elevators, farmer supply 2. Multipurpose mixtures lack flexibility so that when stores and similar locations. In more rural locations, these only a fungicide is required (for example, during bloom), an types of dealers should be easy to find. However, for hom- insecticide also is applied even though it is not needed and eowners in certain urban areas, it may be difficult to find a could be damaging to bees. pesticide dealer that will sell you a small quantity instead of a case of the material. If you wish to use them but have 3. Most multipurpose mixtures are more expensive than difficulty finding sources of commercial fungicide, contact those you prepare. your local county Ohio State University Extension Office to see if they can help. If used on tree fruit, multipurpose sprays should be limited to the period after bloom as maintenance treatments A search on the Internet can also be used to find hom- during the summer. eowner products, and locations where they can be purchased. For example, Bonide (www.bonide.com) is a company that Where to Purchase Pesticides markets several homeowner pest control products. Their web page provides a description of available pesticides, a copy Homeowner products are available at garden centers, of the label with use recommendations and locations where nurseries, and local stores with yard and garden centers such they can be purchased. Most other producers and marketers as Lowe's. There are many locations that deal with homeowner of homeowner products have similar web pages as well. Some pest control products, but generally, there are not many fun- of these producers include Hi-Yield, Fertilome, Ortho, Garden gicides available. For commercial fruit growers there are Tech, Dragon, Safer, Acme, Boyer, and Scotts. Management Recommendations and Spray Schedules for Specific Fruit Crops and Pests The following information is intended as a guide to making decisions in controlling specific pests. The spray schedules Apples and Pears indicate when specific pesticide applications are generally required to control various pests on susceptible varieties. Cultural and Mechanical Practices for These schedules are only suggested guidelines because envi- Disease and Insect Control ronmental conditions and pest populations vary greatly from year to year and location to location. Because of constantly Sanitation Measures changing pesticide registrations and formulations, applica- Apple scab, pear scab and pear leaf spot. All of these tion rates are not provided. For information about the more diseases overwinter on old dead leaves on the ground. Col- common pesticides and pests they control, refer to Tables 5 lect and destroy all leaves in the fall, including those from and 6 on pages 9 and 10. It is the applicator’s responsibility nearby flowering crabapples. to obtain the most current information on use directions and application rates directly from the pesticide label on Cedar apple rust. The spores that infect apple trees come the container. from galls produced by the fungus on cedars (junipers). Where 13 cedar apple rust is a problem, do not plant susceptible apple the tree in early June can be removed and destroyed in mid- varieties near red cedars (junipers). Where cedars are part of July for first generation codling moth; new strips attached an established landscape, remove and destroy all galls caused in early August can be removed and destroyed in winter for by the rust fungus on cedars in the late fall. Inspect the cedars second generation codling moth. again in the early spring during or just after a rain when the orange, gelatinous fungus growth from any remaining galls Bagging fruit is highly visible, and remove them. Paper bags can be placed over individual fruit early in Powdery mildew and summer rots. Prune out and the season to protect them from codling moth, apple maggot, destroy all dead or diseased shoots and limbs while the trees and flyspeck. Special 2-layered fruit bags made in Japan, or are still dormant. Mid-March is usually a good time to prune ordinary paper bags and twist ties can be used. Fruit should trees. All pruning cuts should be made at the base of the branch be bagged when they are 1/2 to 3/4 inch in diameter, which leaving only the branch collar (1/4 to 1/2 inch) so that proper is usually about 3 weeks after petal fall. Bags should be healing of the wound occurs. As a rule, tree wound paints and removed 2 to 3 weeks before harvest to allow normal color dressing should not be used at the time of pruning. development. A trial in Ohio showed that 41% of unbagged untreated apples were damaged by codling moth, while only Apple maggot, codling moth and plum curculio. Fruits 19% of bagged fruit were damaged by codling moth. For on the tree showing entrance or exit wounds (holes) of either more information, see the fact sheet on fruit bagging from the the apple maggot or codling moth should be removed and University of Kentucky, available via the internet at: destroyed immediately. Similarly, all fruits that fall prema- turely, especially during May and June, should be promptly http://www.uky.edu/Ag/Entomology/entfacts/fruit/ef218. collected and destroyed. This is an important step because it htm prevents developing larvae from reaching maturity and caus- ing more damage to other fruits later in the season. Insect Traps Traps can be used to control or monitor some pests of Create an Environment apple and pears. Traps usually catch the adult form of insects Unfavorable for Diseases that cause damage in their immature form. For more informa- Apple and pear scab, powdery mildew and black rot tion, see NCR Extension Publication 359, Insect Traps for diseases are more serious in moist, shaded locations. These Home Fruit Insect Control. diseases can be reduced by improving air movement through Apple maggot infestations can be effectively prevented by and sunlight penetration into the tree. Prune away overhanging sticky red ball traps that attract the adult female apple maggot vegetation from nearby landscape trees. Thin fruit trees to flies before they lay their eggs on apple fruit, if used at a rate promote greater sunlight penetration. If watering is needed, of 1 ball trap per 100 apple fruits. Maggot traps should be irrigate the soil around the trees rather than using overhead placed in trees from mid-June until mid-August. sprinklers, so long periods of leaf wetness are avoided. Plant new trees in well-drained sunny locations. If soil is constantly Codling moth can not be controlled by traps, but the wet, improve soil drainage by ditching and tilling. codling moth population can be monitored by traps so that the best time for an insecticide spray can be determined. The Exclude Diseases from codling moth trap uses a sex pheromone lure that attracts only male codling moths. The lure should be placed in a sticky the Home Fruit Planting cardboard trap or a bucket-style trap. The trap should be set Some diseases, especially soilborne and root diseases, up at bloom. The best time to spray insecticide for codling may be brought into the planting on transplants. Buy nursery moth control is when eggs are hatching. A rough rule for the stock only from reputable growers. Inspect all purchases for best time to spray is about two weeks after the first moth is galls, root decay, stem cankers or insect pests and exclude trapped or one week after peak catch. A more refined rule diseased plants from the home fruit planting. is to calculate degree days (base 50F) after sustained trap catch begins, and spray after 250 degree days have accumu- Use Disease-Resistant Cultivars lated. Each day, the number of degree days is the average Several apple cultivars are resistant to apple scab and temperature minus the base temperature. For a base of 50F, have varying levels of resistance to other diseases such as daily degree days = [(maximum temperature + minimum powdery mildew, rusts and fire blight (see Table 9). temperature) / 2 ] - 50. Banding to Control Codling Moth When to do these practices Fully grown codling moth larvae are attracted to corru- A calendar that shows the most appropriate time for the gated cardboard cut into six-inch strips, as a place to pupate; cultural and mechanical practices mentioned here is shown the strips can be removed and destroyed to prevent codling in Table 8 on page 16. moths from reaching adulthood. Corrugated strips attached to

14 Special Problems on Pome Fruit Trees If pear psylla has been a problem, apply a dormant oil spray before buds open, followed by an insecticide at petal- Fire Blight on Apples and Pears fall. Wait 30 days and if psyllids are still present, make two more applications of insecticide seven to 10 days apart. Fire blight, like most plant diseases caused by bacteria, is hard to control, but can be greatly reduced by planting the Mites more resistant cultivars (see Table 9) and using good sani- tary practices. Although fire blight occurs on most cultivars European red mite and two-spotted spider mite can be of apple and pear, it is most destructive to Jonathan, Lodi, serious pests of apple leaves, especially after frequent insec- Gala, Rome Beauty, Wealthy, Transparent, and Idared apples ticide sprays have killed their natural enemies. Where spider and Bartlett, Clapp Favorite, and Bosc pears. Fire blight is mites are a problem, the best control strategy is to use several generally a serious problem on most of the more desirable tactics. First, a thorough spray of horticultural oil at the green pear cultivars. Bartlett pears are very susceptible to fire blight. tip bud stage in early spring will reduce the overwintering Pear cultivars that are resistant to fire blight include Magness, population. Second, use insecticides only when most needed, Maxine and Honeysweet. to encourage survival of natural enemy insects that feed on mites. Third, if insecticide is needed to control insect pests, Sanitation methods for fire blight consist of thoroughly select insecticide that has at least some mite activity, such examining the trees at least once a week from the time blos- as malathion or permethrin. Fourth, use insecticidal soap soms appear in the spring until late June, and immediately either alone or mixed with any insecticides to be applied for removing all blighted twigs, spurs, etc. Break or cut infected control of pest insects. parts off 8 to 10 inches below the lowest point of visible infection. If removal is made by cuts, avoid spreading the bacteria. Disinfect the blades of the cutting tools by dipping Pesticide Spray Program them in 10 percent household bleach solution or rubbing A preventive approach emphasizing early-season con- alcohol between each cut. Before moving on to something trol of all major diseases and a number of important insect else, remove and destroy the diseased material from the pests is recommended. The critical time period is between vicinity of the trees. bud break (green tip) and about one week after petal fall. This is the only time that certain diseases (scab, apple rust Use nitrogen fertilizers sparingly around pears and and powdery mildew) and insect pests (scales, some aphids susceptible apple cultivars. Too much nitrogen causes exces- and plant bugs) can be controlled effectively. In other cases sive succulent growth that is very susceptible to fire blight. (scab, pear leaf spot, mites, plum curculio, pear psylla and Terminal growth on susceptible cultivars should not exceed leafrollers), a good early-season program not only provides 12 inches per year. excellent control, but also greatly reduces the potential for late-season damage and, therefore, the need for frequent sprays Pear Psylla on Pears later in the season. Where an early-season control program At the green tip stage of pear bud development, tiny is followed, the timing of mid- to late-season sprays is much pear psylla nymphs appear and begin sucking plant juices. less critical and the interval between applications often can They collect beneath the leaves and if left unchecked, their be safely lengthened to as much as two or three weeks. Sug- feeding in summer causes the leaves to turn brown and even gested spray schedules are listed in Table 11. drop. Leaves, twigs and fruits are often covered with sticky honeydew (psylla droppings) on which a black, sooty mold grows.

15 Table 8. Cultural and mechanical practices for disease and insect control on apples and pears, and the time of year to conduct them.

Time of year for conducting various cultural control practices Problem targeted

WHEN ESTABLISHING A PLANTING

Choose a well-drained sunny location. If the only site available is wet, then improve soil Drainage for Phytophthora root and crown rot. drainage by ditching and tilling. Plant only in open area with direct sunlight all day. Direct sunlight for all other diseases. Buy nursery stock only from reputable growers; inspect all purchases to be free of galls, Crown gall, Phytophthora root and crown rot. cankers, or rotted roots. Plant cultivars resistant to apple scab and other diseases (see Tables 9 & 10). Apple scab, powdery mildew, fire blight, cedar apple rust. If cedar apple rust is a problem in your area, do not plant apples near red cedars (junipers) Cedar apple rust if you have cultivars susceptible to cedar apple rust. Remove cedar apple rust galls from infected cedars (junipers).

DURING WINTER — BEFORE GROWTH STARTS IN THE SPRING

Prune out and destroy all dead or diseased shoots and limbs while trees are dormant (mid- Fire blight, powdery mildew, summer rots March is usually a good time). Prune healthy growth to improve air movement and sunlight penetration, to minimize Scab, powdery mildew, fire blight, summer shading and decrease drying time of leaves and fruit during the growing season. rots Minimize heavy pruning on pears. Pear psylla

DURING SPRING AND SUMMER

Minimize nitrogen fertilizer application. Fire blight on apples and pears, and pear psylla Remove cedar apple rust galls from infected cedars (junipers) early in the spring. Cedar apple rust Place paper bags over individual fruit when 1/2–3/4 inch diameter, which is about 3 weeks Codling moth, apple maggot, flyspeck after petal-fall. Remove and destroy fruit with insect entry or exit holes. Codling moth, apple maggot Collect and destroy prematurely fallen fruit. Codling moth, apple maggot Strap six-inch wide corrugated cardboard strips around tree trunk to provide site for Codling moth codling moth to pupate. For first generation, place on tree in early June, remove and destroy in mid-July. For second generation, place on tree in early August, remove and destroy in Winter. Hang red sticky balls to attract and kill apple maggot (adult females) before eggs are laid, Apple maggot from mid-June to mid-August. Remove water sprouts on pears in mid-summer. Pear psylla If watering is needed during dry periods, irrigate the soil around trees rather than using Scab, mildew, fire blight and summer rots overhead sprinklers.

IN THE FALL

Collect and destroy all leaves, including those from nearby flowering crabapples Apple scab, pear scab, pear leaf spot On nearby cedars (junipers), remove and destroy all galls of cedar apple rust that were Cedar apple rust missed in the spring.

16 Table 9. Resistance of Several Apple Cultivars to Important Apple Diseases.

Powdery Powdery Apple ScabCedar-AppleFire Rust Blight Mildew Apple ScabCedar-AppleFire Rust Blight Mildew

Britegold* 1 3 - - Moira 1 3 - - Cortland 4 3 3 4 Mollies Delicious 3 1 3 - Dayton 1 - - - Murray 1 1 2 - Delicious 3 1 2 2 Mutsu (Crispin) 4 3 4 4 Early McIntosh 3 2 2 - Northern Spy 3 3 2 3 Empire 4 2 2 3 Novamac 1 - - - Enterprise 1 2 2 2 Paulared 3 2 4 3 Freedom 1 3 2 - Prima 1 4 2 2 Fuji 3 - 4 - Priscilla 1 2 2 3 Gala 3 2 4 - Pristine 1 - 2 - Golden Delicious 3 3 3 3 Redfree 1 1 3 2 GoldRush 1 3 2 2 Rome Beauty 4 4 4 4 Granny Smith 3 2 4 4 Sir Prize 1 4 4 2 Grimes 3 - 2 - Smoothee 3 3 2 - Idared 3 3 4 3 Spartan 3 2 3 2 Jerseymac 4 1 3 - Stark Splendor 3 3 2 - Jonafree 1 3 2 2 Stayman 4 3 2 3 Jonagold 4 3 4 3 Trent 1 1 2 - Jonamac 3 2 3 3 Tydeman’s Red 3 1 3 2 Jonathon 3 4 4 4 Turley 4 3 2 3 Liberty 1 1 2 2 Wealthy 3 3 3 3 Lodi 3 3 4 2 Williams Red 3 2 2 - Macfree 1 1 3 - William’s Pride 1 1 2 - Melrose 3 - 2 - Winesap 4 3 2 3 McIntosh 4 1 2 3 Yellow Transparent 3 3 4 2

*Varieties in boldface, italics are highly resistant to apple scab.

Key to resistance rating as originally determined in New York by Cornell University extension personnel; cultivars have been added and ratings revised using midwestern observations.

- = disease reaction unknown 1 = very resistant - no control measures are required for the diseases mentioned. 2 = resistant - control measures are only required under high disease pressure. 3 = susceptible - control measures are usually required where disease is prevalent. 4 = very susceptible - control measures are always required where disease is prevalent. Note: Unless fungicides are used, susceptible and very susceptible cultivars should be avoided.

We wish to thank Rick Foster, Paul Pecknold, and Bruce Bordelon, Purdue University for use of this table.

17 Table 10. Scab-Resistant Apple Cultivars Recommended for Home Planting in Ohio. (Listed in order of ripening.) All cultivars listed are immune to apple scab.

Cultivar Characteristics­ Ripening Period Disease Ratingb CARa PM FB Pristine Very early, medium-sized yellow apple. Pleasant tart flavor Late July to early August M R M with a smooth, attractive finish. Williams Early, dark red-purple apple. Large fruited. Semi-tart Mid-August R M R-M Pride flavor. Sometimes shows water-core or bitter pit. Redfree An early, red-skinned, sweet summer apple. Crisp. Does Late August to R R-M R-M not have a long storage life. Mid-September Crimson Rich flavor with moderately acidic and spicy aftertaste. Early September M M S Crisp Bright red fruit with cream-colored flesh. Crimson Fruit has a full red-orange blush on a yellow background. Mid-September U U U Gold Flesh is white, firm, and juicy. Medium in size with a sweet-tart flavor. Fruit will store up to eight months in commercial controlled-air storage. Crimson Medium-sized fruit. Crisp and juicy with good flavor. Fruit Mid-September S M M Topaz has 50% orange-red striping over a yellow background. Growth habit is spur-like, vigorous, and upright. Jonafree Mid-season; firm, red apple; slightly tart. Flavor improves Mid-to late September S R M after storage. Similar to Jonathan. Liberty Medium-sized fruit, round to slightly oblate. Flesh crisp Early October M M M and juicy with slightly sweet and sprightly flavor. Fruit has 95% bright red stripe on yellow background, Freedom Fruit large, oblate. Flesh tender, juicy, flavor subacid and Early October M M M sprightly. Fruit has 80% red stripe on yellow background. Scarlet Large round fruit with medium red to orange color. Rich, Early to mid-October R M S O’Hara pleasant, slightly spicy flavor. Sundance Medium-sized fruit with a sweet, tart flavor. Yellow fruit Mid-October R M R with some russet. Enterprise Good-quality; late-season; smooth, glossy red apple similar Mid-October R M R to McIntosh. Stores well. Susceptible to a fruit spotting disorder. Goldrush Excellent quality fruit; good storage apple. Very late Late October S R M maturing Golden Delicious type. Fruit may russet. Notes: a CAR = cedar apple rust; PM = powdery mildew; FB = fire blight. b R = resistant; M = moderate; S = susceptible; U = unknown.

18 Table 11. Spray Schedules for Pest Control on Apple and Pear.

Time to Spray Pesticide required Insects and diseases most likely to be a problem at the specific time (first column) during growing season, and comments. Apple Pear Dormant Horticultural oil Horticultural oil Oil for scale insects, mites, pear pyslla and Early spring before buds swell pear leaf blister mite.

NOTE: Do not spray when temperature is below 40 F (5C),or likely to drop below 40 F within 24 hours. Half-inch green Fungicide No spray needed Fungicide for control of scab. Last chance When buds show lime sulfur to apply oil on apples, if not applied in half-inch­ green or dormant spray. Lime Sulfer also controls captan San Jose scale or mancozeb or thiophanate-methyl or myclobutanil or MPFS*

Insecticide none needed Tight to open cluster Fungicides No spray needed Fungicide for control of scab and powdery When fruit buds are are same as half-inch green mildew. visible Insecticide none needed Pink bud (apple) Fungicides Fungicide Same diseases as tight cluster, plus rust on White bud (pear) are same as lime sulfur apples. Insecticide needed only if rosy Just before blooms open half-inch green or apple aphid is detected (severely distorted mancozeb leaves) or if pear psylla has been a Insecticide persistent problem. pyrethrins + PBO Insecticide or pyrethrins + PBO malathion or or bifenthrin esfenvalerate or or esfenvalerate permethrin or or permethrin rotenone + pyrethrins or or malathion MPFS* Bloom Fungicides No spray needed Fungicide for scab, rust and powdery When 20%-60% are same as half-inch green mildew. blossoms are open NOTE: to protect bees - do not use insecticide or MPFS* during bloom. Petal fall Fungicides Fungicides Fungicide for control of scab, powdery When last petals are falling are same as half-inch green are same as white buds on pear mildew, black rot, calyx rots and blotches. Insecticide Insecticide Insecticide for leafrollers, plum curculio esfenvalerate bifenthrin and pear psylla. This is a key time or or for control of insect pests. On apple, permethrin esfenvalerate permethrin cannot be applied after petal or or fall. pyrethrins + PBO permethrin or or malathion pyrethrins + PBO or MPFS*

*MPFS=multi purpose fruit spray.

19 Table 11. (continued) Spray Schedules for Pest Control on Apple and Pear.

Time to Spray Pesticide required Insects and diseases most likely to be a problem at the specific time (first column) during growing season, and comments. Apple Pear First Cover Fungicides Fungicides Fungicide for control of scab, rust, black are same as half-inch green are same as white bud on pear rot, calyx rots and blotches. Insecticide for codling moth and plum curculio. This is a Insecticide Insecticides key time for control of the first generation spinosad spinosad of codling moth. or or pyrethrins + PBO pyrethrins + PBO or or acetamiprid acetamiprid or or esfenvalerate bifenthrin or or esfenvalerate malathion or or permethrin MPFS* or malathion Second cover Fungicide Fungicide Fungicide for control of scab, rust, fruit Two weeks after first lime sulfur lime sulfur rots, blotches and leaf spots. Insecticide cover spray or for codling moth, plum curculio, and San captan Insecticides Jose scale crawlers. Mancozeb cannot be or are same as for pears at applied within 77 days of harvest. thiophanate-methyl first cover or MPFS*

Insecticides are same as for apples at first cover Third cover Fungicides Fungicides Fungicide for control of scab, fruit rots Two weeks after second are same as second cover are same as second cover and blotches. Insecticides for codling cover moth, apple maggot and pear psylla. Insecticide Insecticide Miticide for spider mites only if detected. carbaryl (Sevin) carbaryl (Sevin) Soap can russet pear fruits. or or Insecticide in third and fourth cover sprays others as listed for apples at others as listed for pears at first can be omitted if problems with codling first cover. cover moth and apple maggot are not usually severe. Miticide Miticide insecticidal soap insecticidal soap Remaining covers Fungicides Fungicides Fungicide for control of fruit rots, scab Spray every two weeks for a total are same as second cover same as second cover and blotches. Insecticides for codling of 8 cover sprays sprays. moth, apple maggot, leafhoppers and pear Insecticides Insecticides psylla. Always observe all pre-harvest are same as third cover are same as third cover intervals that are stated on the label. Fifth cover is usually the best time to Miticides Miticides apply insecticide for second generation are same as third cover are same as third cover. of codling moth. An insecticide is needed on late maturing varieties in September in warm years when there is a third generation of codling moth. *MPFS=multi purpose fruit spray.

20 the supporting branch, and allow them to heal naturally. Limb Peaches, Nectarines, Plums damage that occurs during the growing season should be and Cherries repaired immediately; never wait for the dormant season. Brown rot is the most important disease affecting all Black knot of plum. On plums, in addition to Cytospora stone fruit (peaches, nectarines, plums, and sweet and sour cankers, look for symptoms of black knot disease at the time cherries). However, other diseases such as peach leaf curl, of pruning. These are rough, black tumors or overgrowths Cytospora canker, plum black knot and cherry leaf spot also that develop on shoots and limbs. They should be pruned out should be considered. Borers, catfacing insects (plant bugs, completely. Remove the knots from the orchard and destroy stink bugs) and the oriental fruit moth are usually the most them. If possible, remove wild plums and wild cherries near destructive among insect pests that attack peaches. The the planting. peachtree borer also attacks other stone fruit trees. The plum curculio can destroy an entire plum crop and is harmful to Cherry leaf spot. The cherry leaf spot fungus overwinters other stonefruits, as well. on old dead leaves on the ground. Rake the area under the tree thoroughly and destroy all old leaves to control cherry leaf spot disease. Do this in the fall as soon as leaves drop or Cultural and Mechanical Practices for in the early spring, before bloom. This procedure can be very Disease and Insect Control effective for small plantings isolated from other cherries. Sanitation Measures Oriental fruit moth. The first symptom of infestation by oriental fruit moth is wilting shoot tips. As soon as wilting Brown rot. The brown rot fungus overwinters on old mummified fruit left hanging on the tree or on the ground. tips are noticed, prune the shoots and destroy them to prevent After harvest or in the spring before the buds open, collect the larvae from reaching maturity. and destroy all mummified fruits beneath the trees and any Plum curculio. Promptly collect and destroy any fruits that remain hanging in the trees (Table 12). Do the same for that fall prematurely. any fruits that fall prematurely or show symptoms of brown rot during the season. Never allow rotting fruit to remain on Yellowjackets, bees and wasps. Plan on harvesting stone or under the trees. Do not allow fruit to over-ripen or soften fruit over a period of one to two weeks. Regularly pick fully before harvesting. Peaches, nectarines and apricots should ripened fruits, and remove any that have fallen or any of those be harvested when their color (nonblush side) first changes showing decay. This discourages the buildup of yellowjacket, from green to all yellow, even though the flesh is still firm. bee and wasp populations around and in your trees so that Harvest plums when the fruit color is uniform and the flesh special insecticide treatments are not necessary. begins to soften under gentle pressure. Two to three days further ripening off the tree are necessary before the fruit Traps for oriental fruit moth. reaches the best quality for eating. Avoid brusing during har- Oriental fruit moth can not be controlled by traps, but the vest and in post-harvest storage. Good air circulation through oriental fruit moth population can be monitored by traps so the tree is essential to reducing wetness, which favors brown that the best time for an insecticide spray can be determined. rot. Pruning to allow better air and sunlight penetration will The trap uses a sex pheromone lure that attracts only male help to reduce disease. oriental fruit moths. The lure should be placed in a sticky Cytospora canker. Delay pruning any stone fruit trees cardboard trap or a bucket-style trap. The trap should be set until March or April. Be alert for any evidence of Cytospora up at bloom (Table 12). A rough rule for the best time to spray cankers. These cankers are dark, sunken areas on limbs and to control the first generation is about 6 days after the catch shoots with gum protruding through the bark, often with a of moths in the trap reaches a peak; this is usually around the raised callus margin. The canker pathogen often enters major time of the first cover spray. A rough rule for the best time limbs through old wounds, broken limbs and weak shoots to spray to control the second and third generations is about that are killed by low winter temperatures. Therefore, pruning 3 days after the moth catch reaches a peak. A more refined thin, willowy water sprouts in the center of the tree during the rule is to calculate degree days (base 45F) after sustained late summer (early August) helps prevent the establishment trap catch begins for each generation, and spray after 200 of cankers within the main tree structure. Small cankers on degree days have accumulated and spray again after another shoots and limb tips should be removed completely during the 200 degree days. Each day, the number of degree days is pruning operation; little can be done once the cankers grow the average temperature minus the base temperature. For a larger or become established in the crotch or on the trunk. base of 45F, daily degree days = [(maximum temperature + Do not use commercial wound paints on pruning cuts. Make minimum temperature) / 2 ] - 45. cuts so that only the small, raised branch collar remains on

21 Special Problems on Stone Fruit important to prevent peachtree borer damage by protecting the base or trunk of the tree with an insecticide. New trees Peachtree Borers can be dipped in insecticide solution before planting. Insec- ticide solutions are effective when applied with a paint brush The peachtree borer works beneath the bark at or near the to the affected area on the trunk. The best time to apply a ground level; it is primarily a pest of young peach trees but trunk treatment is at the time of peak emergence of adult populations can build up and cause the decline and death of peachtree borer, which is usually in early August. Products older trees. The lesser peachtree borer is a similar pest that currently available for borer control in home peach trees attacks trees at wounds anywhere in the lower few feet of contain permethrin such as in Bonide's "Borer Miner Killer the trunk and scaffold limbs rather than at ground level. The Concentrate." presence of borers is indicated by masses of gum that contain small brown particles of bark at the base of the tree, or the oc- currence of frass and empty pupal cases protruding from tree Mites wounds. Adults (moths) of peachtree borer begin emerging in Where spider mites are a problem, the best control strategy early June in southern Ohio, and late June in northern Ohio. is to use several tactics. First, a thorough spray of horticultural Adults of lesser peachtree borer begin emerging about one oil at green tip will reduce the overwintering population. Sec- month earlier than peachtree borer, and the lesser peachtree ond, use insecticides only when most needed, to encourage borer has a second generation in late summer. survival of natural enemy insects that feed on mites. Third, select insecticides that have at least some mite activity, such Avoid mechanical injuries to the trunk and limbs, which as malathion or permethrin. Finally, use insecticidal soap attract borers. If evidence of borers is found, borers can be either alone or mixed with any insecticides to be applied for killed mechanically using a knife or flexible wire to puncture control of pest insects. the larvae through the bark where fresh frass is found. It is

22 Table 12. Cultural and mechanical practices for disease and insect control on stone fruit, and the time of year to conduct them.

Time of year for conducting various cultural control practices Problem targeted WHEN ESTABLISHING A PLANTING Choose a well-drained sunny location. If the only site available is wet, then improve soil Drainage for Phytophthora drainage by ditching and tilling. Plant only in open area with direct sun light all day. root rot. Direct sun light for all other diseases. Buy nursery stock only from reputable growers; inspect all purchases for galls, cankers, Crown gall, or rotted roots. Phytophthora root rot. Remove wild plums and wild cherries near plum plantings. Black knot DURING LATE WINTER OR EARLY SPRING Prune healthy growth to improve air movement and sunlight penetration in the canopy. Brown rot and most other This will reduce wetness and shading in the canopy. Delay pruning until March or April. diseases. Remove cankers on shoots or limbs. Cytospora canker On plums, prune out and destroy branches with black knot (rough, black tumors or Black knot overgrowths that develop on shoots and limbs) Kill borer larvae mechanically by inserting a wire or knife into holes where fresh sawdust Peachtree borer & lesser is found peachtree borer DURING SPRING AND SUMMER Keep nearby ground cover and weeds mowed, especially before, during, and right after Tarnished plant bug, stink bloom. bugs Set out a pheromone trap for Oriental fruit moth at bloom; monitor the trap to determine Oriental fruit moth when the adult (moth) stage of this pest is active. The best time to use insecticide is 200 degree-days (base 45F) after moth flight begins and again 200 degree-days later. Prune flagging (wilted) shoots as soon as they are noticed. Oriental fruit moth Remove and destroy fruit with insect entry or exit holes or with symptoms of brown rot. Oriental fruit moth, plum curculio, brown rot Collect and destroy prematurely fallen fruit. Brown rot, oriental fruit moth, plum curculio Pull off excess fruit in early summer to prevent limb breakage from excess crop load. Lesser peachtree borer Borers are attracted to broken limbs. Repair any damaged limbs immediately. Cytospora canker If watering is needed during dry periods, irrigate the soil around trees rather than using Most diseases overhead sprinklers. Pick fruit as they ripen; remove any fallen or decaying fruit. Brown rot, yellowjackets, wasps Do not allow fruit to over-ripen or soften before harvest. Brown rot DURING FALL OR WINTER Collect and destroy all mummified fruit beneath trees and hanging in trees. Brown rot Rake and destroy old leaves of cherry. Cherry leaf spot

23 Table 13. Spray Schedule for Control of Stone Fruit Diseases and Insects: Peach, Nectarine, Plum and Cherry.

Time to spray Pesticides Required Insects and diseases most likely to be a problem at the specific time (first column) during growing season, and comments. Dormant Fungicide Insecticides This is the only fungicide spray that controls peach leaf curl and plum Early spring before buds lime sulfur No spray required pockets. No spray required on cherries. Lime sulfur also controls San swell or Jose scale. chlorothalonil or Lime sulfur is recommended for green tip on plums for control of fixed copper black knot. or bordeaux mixture Bud swell Oil Oil for control of scale insects, European red mite and aphids. just before the buds NOTE: Do not spray oil when temperature is Application is not required if these pests have not been a problem. break open in the spring below 40F (5 C), or likely to drop below 40F within 24 hours. Pink Fungicide Insecticide Insecticide for control of catfacing insects (plant bugs and stink bugs). Just before blooms open lime sulfur gamma- Fungicide for brown rot control. or cyhalothrin Fungicide is required on plums especially if black knot is a problem. captan or or esfenvalerate For black knot control, fungicides will not be effective unless all chlorothalonil or knots are removed from the tree and destroyed. or permethrin Infections on nearby trees must also be eradicated. thiophanate-methyl or or pyrethrins + PBO No spray needed on cherries. myclobutanil or or carbaryl (Sevin) MPFS* or MPFS*

Bloom NOTE: To protect bees - do not use Fungicide during bloom should not be required if good sanitation is insecticide or MPFS* during bloom used to control brown rot. Petal fall Fungicides Insecticides Insecticide for control of plant bugs and stink bugs. When last petals are Same as for pink Same as for pink falling Fungicide for control of scab and brown rot on all fruits. Also for black knot of plum and cherry leaf spot. Shuck split Fungicide Insecticide Same diseases as at petal fall. When most shucks have lime sulfur gamma- split apart or cyhalothrin Insecticide for plum curculio. sulfur or or esfenvalerate captan or If aphids are a problem, use Thiodan or malathion, but this rarely or permethrin happens. thiophanate - methyl or or carbaryl (Sevin) Chlorothalonil cannot be applied after shuck split. myclobutanil or or malathion MPFS* or pyrethrins + PBO or MPFS* First cover Fungicides Insecticides Insecticide for control of oriental fruit moth and plum curculio. Seven days after shuck same as shuck split Same as shuck Fungicide for scab, brown rot, cherry leaf spot and black knot of split split plum. Use shorter interval for fungicide if wet, rainy weather persists. or spinosad This is a key time to control oriental fruit moth. Remaining covers Fungicides Insecticide Insecticide for control of oriental fruit moth and cherry fruit fly and Continue spraying at 10 same as shuck split carbaryl (Sevin) Japanese beetle. For borer control, see details on page 22. Fungicide to 14 day intervals or for scab, brown rot, cherry leaf spot and black knot of plum. Use others listed at shorter interval for fungicide if wet, rainy weather persists. shuck split Miticide insecticidal soap Preharvest spray Fungicides Insecticides Fungicide for scab, brown rot, cherry leaf spot. Apply according to Same as shuck split No spray needed label directions Read container label for number of days between final spray and beginning 3 to 4 weeks harvest. before harvest *MPFS=multi-purpose fruit spray.

24 Strawberries Mites on Strawberries Mite damage appears as distorted and discolored leaves Cultural Practices for Disease and stunted fruits. Silken webs may also be found on the and Insect Control lower surface of the leaves. The two species of mites found Select a planting site with good soil drainage and all-day on strawberries are the two-spotted spider mite, which is exposure to direct sun. Avoid poorly drained, shaded areas. usually light gray with two dark spots on its back, and the Strawberry plantings established on wet sites are doomed cyclamen mite, which is so tiny that it is scarcely visible to to failure. Good weed control is by far the most important the naked eye. Both mites suck sap from the foliage, and sanitation measure for strawberry production. Weeds compete heavy populations can cause serious damage to strawberry strongly with shallow-rooted strawberry plants and interfere plantings. Life cycles of both species are quite short during with good runner-plant production. Weeds also harbor many the summer, and under ideal weather conditions, they can insect and mite pests and prevent rapid drying after rains, which build up rapidly if left uncontrolled. promotes fruit rots. A good straw mulch in place before the When the two-spotted spider mite is a problem, growers fruit begins to ripen will help reduce fruit rots by keeping the should use insecticidal soap. Soap must be applied thoroughly berries from touching or being splashed with soil. Renovate to all leaf surfaces. Several applications can be needed at beds immediately after harvest to reduce pest problems. Rake 5 to 7 day intervals. Beware that soap can cause some leaf and destroy cut-off leaves and stems after renovation. Select damage if applied when weather is hot (>85 F). Hot, dry and use varieties with resistance to leaf diseases, Verticillium weather favors rapid development of the two-spotted spider wilt and red stele (see Table 14). For more information on mite, particularly in July and August. varietal susceptibility, see Ohio State University Extension Bulletin 436, Ohio Strawberry Manual. To reduce popula- Populations of cyclamen mite usually begin to increase tions of sap beetles, remove overripe, diseased and damaged in late May when blossoming starts, and peak in early July fruit at regular intervals. When old plantings are replaced by during fruiting. A sharp decline in cyclamen mite populations new ones, select a different growing site to prevent buildup generally occurs during July and August. Observations for of soilborne diseases, insects and weeds. cyclamen mite are best made before blossoms appear. Control measures should be applied at the first sign of an infestation. For best cyclamen mite control, apply insecticidal soap at 3- to 5-day intervals.

25 Table 14. Disease Resistance of Strawberry Cultivars Commonly Grown in the Midwest.

Red Verticillium Leaf Leaf Powdery Cultivar Stele Wilt Spot Scorch Mildew Junebearing Allstar VR1 R R R R Annapolis S I S S — Blomidon — — — — — Canoga I I R R — Cardinal S S R R R Catskill S VR S R R Cavendish R I — — S Delite R2 R R S-R S Earliglow R2 T-R S-R R I Guardian R2 T-R S-R R S-R Honeoye S S R R — Jewel S S R R — Kent — — — — — Lateglow R R T T T Lester R R R R R Midway R2 S-I S S I Pocahontas S S S-R S-I R Raritan S S S S I Redchief R2 R S-R R S-R Scott R I-R S-R R R Seneca S S — — — Sparkle S-R S S S-I R Sunrise R2 R VS R R Surecrop R2 VR S-R S-R — TeMesseeBeauty S R R S-R S Veestar S T T T —

Everbearing Tribute VR T-R T T R Tristar R R T T R

1VS = very susceptible; S = susceptible; I = intermediate; T = tolerant; R = resistant; VR = very resistant; — =unknown. Resistant characteristics of the cultivar usually preclude the need for other controls. 2Resistant to several races of the red stele fungus.

26 Table 15. Spray Schedules for Pest Control on Strawberries.

Time to spray Pesticide Required Insects and diseases most likely to be a problem at the specific time (first column) during growing season Pre-bloom Insecticide Insecticide for strawberry bud weevil, When blossom stems permethrin spittlebug and tarnished plant bug. Miticide have pushed out of the or for spider mites, only if they are detected. crown pyrethrins + PBO or carbaryl (Sevin) or MPFS*

Miticide insecticidal soap

NOTE: Early season applications are required only if pests are a problem. During bloom Fungicide NOTE: No insecticide Fungicide for fruit rots and leaf spots. In captan should be used during dry growing seasons, fungicide is generally or bloom to protect bees. not required. thiophanate-methyl Post-bloom Insecticide or Miticide Insecticide for spittlebug, plant bugs, and Begin 10 days after full same as pre-bloom leafroller. Miticide for spider mites (if bloom spray (if needed) (Use only if needed) present). Baits can be used for slug control, and continue spray every Follow label instructions, and observe all pre-harvest especially after wet weather. seven days as needed. intervals.

Molluscicide (slug bait) metaldehyde bait or iron phosphate bait Post-harvest Fungicide Insecticide Fungicide for leaf spots Apply one or more (Use only if needed) No spray needed times after renovation (if captan needed) to protect the new or foliage for next year’s thiophanate-methyl crop. *MPFS=multi-purpose fruit spray.

27 Good weed control promotes rapid drying conditions Raspberries and Blackberries within the fruiting canopy and discourages populations of insects and diseases that damage the canes and fruit. In order General Comments to promote better penetration of sunlight and faster drying Most pesticide treatments on bramble (caneberry) crops within the canopy of red raspberries, canes should be thinned can be made on an “as needed” basis (Table 16). However, (removed) to obtain no more than five large canes per linear this approach requires regular inspection trips so that needed foot of row, and row width should not exceed two feet. applications can be made before serious damage occurs. In addition, a good sanitation program in and around the planting Each spring when new shoots are about 12 to 14 inches will help alleviate a number of common pest problems. tall, survey black raspberry and blackberry plantings for symp- toms of orange rust and viruses. Orange rust, a destructive disease of black raspberry and blackberry, can be controlled Cultural Practices for Disease only by removing all infected plants (including their roots) and Insect Control when symptoms first appear. Infected shoots are identified by their thin, willowy growth, the absence of thorns (on normally Always plant in a well-drained location with all-day sun thorny varieties) and the presence of orange spore pustules on (no shade). Raspberry and blackberry plantings established the underside of leaves. Failure to remove orange rust-infected on wet sites are doomed to failure. plants threatens the survival of healthy plants. Most fungi that infect raspberry and blackberry canes Problems with sap beetles, wasps, fruit flies and fruit overwinter on old canes that were infected the previous sea- rots will be less severe if the berries are harvested regularly son. After harvest, cut and remove from the planting canes throughout the ripening period so that overripe fruits do not that have fruited (except for Heritage or other fall fruiting red accumulate. Fermenting fruit attracts these pests. raspberry cultivars) to reduce the incidence of spur blight, cane blight and anthracnose, as well as populations of cane Japanese beetles feed on ripe raspberry and blackberry and crown borer insects. Mow or cut old Heritage canes in fruit, as well as leaves. Remove beetles by hand as much as the early spring before new shoots begin to develop. Cuts possible and destroy them. should be made at ground level (no stubs), and all old canes should be removed from the planting.

28 Table 16. Spray Schedules for Pest Control on Brambles. (Blackberries and Raspberries)

Time to spray Pesticide Required Insects and diseases most likely to be a problem at the specific time (first column) during growing season. Bud break Fungicide Insecticide Lime-sulfur or copper fungicide for anthracnose, cane When buds begin to break liquid lime sulfur liquid lime sulfur blight and spur blight. Lime sulfur for rose scale. This and show silver or or spray is essential for good disease control. If applied to fixed copper oil + lime sulfer green tissue, damage may occur. If diseases or insects or are not present, spray is not needed. bordeaux mixture Pre-bloom Insecticide Insecticide for raspberry fruitworm, raspberry cane Just before blossoms open bifenthrin borer, and red-necked cane borer (if present). or esfenvalerate or permethrin or pyrethrins + PBO or rotenone + pyrethrins or malathion During bloom NOTE: No insecticide should be used during bloom to There are no fungicides for use on brambles during the protect bees. growing season. Emphasis for disease control must be placed on use of the cultural practices mentioned. In dry growing seasons, diseases should not be a problem. Pre-harvest Insecticide Insecticide for Japanese beetle, if present. As fruits begin to color carbaryl (Sevin) or Make sure to observe pre-harvest intervals. pyrethrins + PBO Post-harvest Insecticide Insecticide for Japanese beetle, if needed. Same as for pre-harvest

29 Most fungi require water on plant surfaces to infect. To Grapes promote rapid drying conditions within the foliar canopy, keep the vines well pruned (during the dormant season), Cultural Practices for Disease trellised and weed-free. and Insect Control Always plant in a well-drained location with all-day Several pickings will be necessary at harvest because not sun (no shade). Black rot is the most common disease home all of the grape bunches will ripen at the same time. Harvest- gardeners encounter when producing grapes. Berries infected ing in this manner reduces the incidence of yellow jackets, by the black rot fungus turn into dry, shriveled, raisin-like bees and wasps feeding on overripe fruits, and discourages “mummies.” The black rot fungus overwinters in the plant- the rot organisms from becoming established. Remove all old ing in these old, mummified fruit. Therefore, it is essential to dried or rotted unharvested grapes (including cluster stems) remove all clusters of mummified fruit from the planting, as from the vine and destroy them. Collecting and destroying well as those that have fallen to the ground. This is best done leaf debris under vines in the fall may help reduce overwin- at harvest or soon after, while they are still easily visible. tering pupae of the grape berry moth. Pick off and destroy Japanese beetles daily. If black rot lesions appear on leaves before fruit set, remov- ing infected leaves should reduce the level of infection.

30 Table 17. Spray Schedules for Pest Control on Grapes.

Time to spray Pesticide Required Insects and diseases most likely to be a problem at the specific time (first column) during growing season.

Bud swell, Insecticide Insecticide needed only if flea beetles or climing cutworms before buds show carbaryl (Sevin) are usually a problem (e.g., swollen buds have holes or are green or eaten). rotenone + pyrethrins or pyrethrins + PBO or MPFS* New growth 4-6 Fungicide Fungicide for control of black rot, Phomopsis cane and leaf inches long mancozeb spot, powdery mildew, and downy mildew. Myclobutanil is or excellent for control of black rot and powdery mildew, but myclobutanil will not control Phomopsis or downy mildew. Mancozeb, or Ferbam and Captan are good for black rot, downy mildew captan and Phomopsis control, but will not control powdery mildew. New growth 10- Fungicide Diseases same as above. 15 inches long same as above (or 7-10 day after first spray) Pre-bloom Fungicide Diseases same as above. Insecticide needed only where Just before first same as above grape berry moth is a persistent problem. blossoms open Insecticide Same as at bud swell Bloom Insecticide In sandy areas where rose chafer is a problem, (usually in early Same as at bud swell an insecticide may be needed. June) or spinosad Post-bloom Fungicide Insecticide Fungicide for black rot, powdery mildew, and downy (after all blossoms Same as above Same as bud swell mildew. Insecticide for grape berry moth, leafhoppers and have fallen) rose chafer. NOTE: In wet weather, do not wait until all blossoms have fallen, especially if black rot is a problem. Spray fungicide NOTE: Mancozeb cannot be used within 66 days of harvest. every 7-14 days. First cover Fungicide Insecticide Fungicides for control of black rot, powdery mildew, and 10 days after captan same as post-bloom downy mildew. Myclobutanil will not control downy post-bloom or mildew. Insecticides for control of grape berry moth, myclobutanil Miticide leafhoppers, and Japanese beetle, if present. Miticide for insecticidal soap mites, if present. Second cover Same as first cover Same as first cover. 10-14 days after first cover Third cover Fungicide Insecticide Fungicide for control of powdery and downy mildew. 10-14 days after Same as first cover Same as post bloom Insecticide for grape berry moth, and Japanese beetle. second cover Fourth cover Fungicide Insecticide Same as third cover. 10-14 days after Same as first cover Same as post-bloom third cover Always observe pre-harvest intervals.

SPECIAL NOTE: Black Rot - Berries are no longer susceptible to black rot when they reach about 6 percent to 8 percent sugar content (usually when they start to change color). *MPFS=multi purpose fruit spray.

31 Blueberries Cultural Practices for Disease As a rule, blueberries require the least amount of pesticide and Insect Control of all fruit crops. The best approach is to apply no pesticide Before the buds break in the spring, the area beneath and to new plantings until some problem develops. Watch plants immediately around the plants should be raked thoroughly closely for any symptoms of disease (dieback or fruit rot) or to collect or bury any mummified fruits from the previous insect damage, and begin spraying when appropriate. Some year’s crop. This will help reduce the incidence of mummy fruit loss can be expected the first year that mummy berry berry disease. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, which disease or fruit rot develops. In subsequent years, this can increases plant susceptibility to the Botrytis fungus (blight). be controlled with fungicides. To reduce fungal canker diseases, prune out and destroy dead twigs, branches and stems. Probably the most common problems associated with blueberries are nutrient deficiencies related to soil pH require- ments and water imbalance due to lack of proper mulching. Common symptoms of nutrient deficiency are yellow (chlo- rotic) leaves and stunted growth. For specific information on blueberry culture, see Ohio State University Extension Bulletin 591, Growing and Using Fruit at Home.

32 Table 18. Spray Schedules for Pest Control on Blueberry.

Time to spray Pesticide Required Insects and diseases most likely to be a problem at the specific time (first column) during growing season Dormant Insecticide Apply only if scale insects are a Before bud break Horticultural oil problem. Green tip Fungicide Fungicide for control of stem cankers Bud has 1/4 inch of green captan and mummy berry, only if disease is a problem. Pre-bloom Fungicide Same as green tip Just before blossoms open captan Bloom Fungicide Same as green tip 25% to 75% of blossoms open captan Petal fall Fungicide Fungicide for mummy berry only if 75% petals have dropped captan disease is a problem. First and second Insecticide Insecticide for fruitworms, leafroller, cover sprays carbaryl (Sevin) leafhoppers, plum curculio, and tip 7 to 10 days after petal fall, then or borer, if present. 10 to 14 days later pyrethrins + PBO or permethrin or malathion Third and fourth Insecticide Same as first and second cover, plus cover sprays Same as first cover blueberry maggot and Japanese Repeat cover sprays on beetle, if present. a 10 to 14 day interval, if needed Observe all pre-harvest intervals For Japanese beetle, carbaryl (Sevin) is best. For blueberry maggot, use malathion or carbaryl (Sevin).

33 Table 19. Examples of insecticide products currently manufactured for use in home fruit plantings, including combination insecticide plus fungicide products.

Active Product Name Active Product Name Ingredient Ingredient acetamiprid Ortho: Max Flower Fruit & Vegetable Insect Killer iron Bayer Advanced: Dual Action Snail & Slug Killer Ready to Use (0.006%) phosphate Bait Granules (1%) [phosphoric bifenthrin Ortho: Bug-B-Gon Max Lawn & Garden Insect Killer Bonide: Slug Magic Pellets (1%) Concentrate (0.3%) acid, iron (3+) salt Gardens Alive: Escar-Go! Slug & Snail Control (1%) Ortho: Bug-B-Gon Max Lawn & Garden Insect Killer (1:1)] Schultz: Garden Safe Slug & Snail Bait (1%) Ready to Spray (0.3%) B.t. (Bacillus Bonide: Dipel 150 Dust (0.064%) Monterey: Sluggo (1%) huringiensis, iron Monterey: Sluggo Plus (0.97% + 0.07%) Bonide: Thuricide BT Concentrate (0.80%) var kurstaki) phosphate Gardens Alive: Green Step Caterpillar Control + spinosad Concentrate (15%) kaolin Gardens Alive: Surround At Home Crop Protectant Green Light: BT Worm Killer (15%) (95%) Green Light: Dipel Dust (0.065%) malathion Bonide: Malathion Insect Control Concentrate (50%) Woodstream: Safer Brand Garden Dust Ready to Use Green Light: 50% Malathion Insect Spray (50%) (0.4365%) Hi-Yield: 55% Malathion Spray (55%) carbaryl Bayer Advanced: Complete Insect Killer for Gardens, Hi-Yield: 5% Malathion Dust (5%) Ready to Use (0.126%) Spectracide: Malathion Insect Spray Concentrate Ferti-lome: Liquid Carbaryl Garden Spray (23.7%) (50%) Garden Tech: Sevin Ready to Use (0.126%) malathion Bonide: Fruit Tree Spray Concentrate (6% + 0.3% + Garden Tech: Sevin Bug Killer Concentrate (22.5%) + carbaryl 12%) + captan Garden Tech: Sevin-5 Bug Killer Ready to Use 5% Gordon’s: Liquid Fruit Tree Spray (6% + 0.3% + (MULTI- Dust (5%) 11.76%) PURPOSE Garden Tech: Sevin Lawn Insect Granules (2%) FRUIT Hi-Yield: 10% Carbaryl Garden & Pet Dust (10%) SPRAY) metaldehyde Hi-Yield: Improved Snail & Slug Bait (3.25%) Hi-Yield: 5% Carbaryl Garden & Pet Dust (5%) Ortho: Bug-Geta Snail & Slug Killer (3.25%) Lilly Miller: Earwig & Sowbug Bait (5%) carbaryl Bonide: Dragoon Dust with Copper (1.25% + 0.5% Vigoro: Snail & Slug Killer Pellets (2.75%) + rotenone + 7%) metaldehyde Lilly Miller: Go-West Meal (2% + 5%) + carbaryl + copper Ortho: Bug-Geta Plus, Snail, Slug and Insect Killer esfenvalerate Ortho: Bug-B-Gon Max Garden & Landscape Insect (2% + 5%) Killer, Ready to Use (0.0033%) oil, Bonide: All Seasons Horticultural Spray Oil Ready to Ortho: Bug-B-Gon Max Lawn & Garden Insect Killer petroleum Use (2%) Liquid Concentrate (0.425%) Bonide: All Seasons Horticultural & Dormant Spray gamma- Spectracide: Triazicide Insect Killer Once & Done! Oil Concentrate (98%) cyhalothrin Concentrate (0.25%) Ferti-lome: Dormant Spray & Summer Oil Spray imidacloprid Bonide: Annual Tree & Shrub Insect Control With (98.8%) Systemaxx, Concentrate (1.47%) Ferti-lome: Scalecide (98.8%) Bonide: Borer-Miner Killer With Systemaxx (1.47%) Green Light: Horticultural Oil Spray Bonide: Systemic Insect Spray With Systemaxx Hi-Yield: Dormant Spray (97%) (1.47%) Monterey: Saf-T-Side (80%) Ferti-lome: Tree & Shrub Systemic Insect Drench (1.47%) Ortho: Volck Oil Spray (97%) Gordon’s: Tree & Shrub Insect Killer (1.47%) oil Bonide: Oil & Lime Sulfur Spray Concentrate (80% (petroleum) + 5%) Green Light: Tree & Shrub Systemic Insect Killer + lime sulfur Concentrate (1.47 %) oil, plant Bonide: Mite-X Ready to Use Monterey: Once A Year Insect Control (1.47%) Gardens Alive: Oil-Away Supreme Insecticidal Oil Ortho: Max Tree & Shrub Insect Control, Ready toSpray (1.47%) Lilly Miller: Vegol Growing Season Spray Oil (96%)

34 Table 19. Examples of insecticide products currently manufactured for use in home fruit plantings, including combination insecticide plus fungicide products. (continued)

Active Product Name Active Product Name Ingredient Ingredient permethrin Bayer Advanced: Complete Insect Dust for Gardens rotenone Bonide: Garden Dust for Fruits, Vegetables and Ready to Use (0.25%) + copper Flowers, Ready to Use (0.75% + 7%) Bonide: Borer Miner Killer Concentrate (2.5%) rotenone Bonide: Liquid Rotenone (1.1%) Pyrethrins (0.8%) + pyrethrins Spray Concentrate Bonide: Eight Insect Control Garden & Home Ready to Use (0.02%) soap, Bonide: Insecticidal Soap Ready to Use (1%) insecticidal Natural Guard: Insecticidal Soap Bonide: Eight Insect Control Vegetable, Fruit & (potassium Flower Concentrate (2.5%) salts of fatty Schultz: Garden Safe Insecticidal Soap Concentrate Bonide: Eight Insect Control Yard & Garden Ready acids) (47%) to Spray (2.5%) Woodstream: Concern Insect Killing Soap Bonide: Total Pest Control Outdoor Formula Woodstream: Safer Brand Fruit & Vegetable Insect Concentrate (13.3%) Killer (2%) Gordon’s: Bug-No-More Yard & Garden Insect Spray Woodstream: Safer Brand Insect Killing Soap (2%) Concentrate (2.5%) spinosad Bonide: Captain Jack’s Deadbug Brew Ready to Use Green Light: Conquest Insecticide Concentrate (0.001%) (2.5%) Bonide: Captain Jack’s Deadbug Brew Ready to Hi-Yield: Indoor/Outdoor Broad Use Insecticide Spray (0.5%) (10%) Bonide: Captain Jack’s Deadbug Brew Concentrate Hi-Yield: Lawn. Garden, Pet & Livestock Insect (0.5%) Control (10%) Bonide: Colorado Potato Beetle Beater, Concentrate Hi-Yield: Garden, Pet & Livestock Dust (0.5%) Ortho: Bug-B-Gon Max Insect Killer Garden Dust Ferti-lome: Borer, Bagworm, Leafminer & Tent (0.25%) Caterpillar Spray (0.5%) pyrethrins FoxFarm: Don’t Bug Me Home & Garden Insect Gardens Alive: Bulls-Eye Bioinsecticide (0.5%) + piperonyl Spray (0.02% + 0.2%) butoxide Green Light: Lawn & Garden Spray With Spinosad, Gordon’s: Garden Guard [dust] (0.10% + 1.0%) (PBO) Concentrate (0.5%) Schultz: Garden Safe Fruit & Vegetable Insect Killer Green Light: Lawn & Garden Spray With Spinosad, Ready to Use (0.02% + 0.2%) Hose-end Ready to Spray (0.015%) Schultz: Garden Safe Houseplant & Garden Insect Monterey: Garden Insect Spray (0.5%) Killer Ready to Use (0.02% + 0.2%) Natural Guard: Spinosad Ready to Spray Schultz: Garden Safe Lawn & Garden Insect Killer Ready to Spray (0.3% + 3%) Schultz: Garden Safe Multi-Purpose Garden Insect Killer (0.02% + 0.2%) Spectracide: Garden Insect Killer Concentrate (0.3% + 3.0%) Spectracide: Garden Insect Killer Ready to Spray (0.3% + 3.0%) pyrethrins Ferti-lome: Fruit Tree Spray (0.25% + 2.5% + 70%) + piperonyl Green Light: Fruit Tree Spray Concentrate (0.25% + butoxide 2.5% + 70%) (PBO) + extract of Natural Guard: Neem Py (0.25% + 2.5% + 70%) neem oil pyrethrins Bonide: Citrus, Fruit & Nut Orchard Spray + sulfur Concentrate (0.25% + 10%) Bonide: Citrus, Fruit & Nut Orchard Spray Ready to Spray (0.25% + 10%)

35 36

Poison Information Centers

National Poison Control Center—1-800-222-1222 (This number will automatically connect you to the center closest to you.)

Cincinnati: 45627-0144 Cleveland: 44106 Columbus: 43205 Drug and Poison Information Center Greater Cleveland Poison Children’s Hospital University of Cincinnati Center 700 Children’s Drive Medical Center, Room 7701 11100 Euclid Avenue 614-228-1323 3333 Burnet Ave., ML 9004 216-231-4455 800-682-7625 513-558-5111 1-888-231-4455 614-228-2272 (TTY)* 800-872-5111

* Phone number for the deaf.

Emergency Contacts

In the event of gross environmental contamination by pesticides, such as a spill or fire, contact: Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Ohio Department of Agriculture 24-Hour Emergency Response Group Pesticide Regulation Section 1800 Watermark Dr. 8995 East Main Street Columbus 43266 Reynoldsburg 43068 1-800-282-9378 (in Ohio) 1-800-282-1955 614-224-2260 (outside Ohio) 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

In event of chemical fire, spill, leak, exposure or accident on a highway, railway or waterway, contact: Chemtrec Washington, D.C. 800-424-9300 24 hours a day; 7 days a week

Information on Pesticides National Pesticide Telecommunications Network (NPTN) Phone: 1-800-858-7378